Three, [Promises made at the time of parting] Kokoro Project ✖︎ Pair Test(SUNO)

Rusha’s Kokoro Project ✖︎ Pair Test Collaboration

The test was over.
But on the now-empty sheets of paper,
it felt like our words still lingered.

As he packed up to leave,
he gave a wistful smile.

“…It ended so quickly, didn’t it?”

I nodded,
and the words caught in my throat—
I gathered my courage and let them out.

“Thank you. …I’ll never forget today.”

He looked a little surprised,
but then met my eyes and said, clearly:

“No. Actually—today made me want to do even more things.”

“…Huh?”

“I’ll come again.
Even if it’s not for a test.
I want to talk, maybe study together, or play games or something.”

“…Really?”

The words slipped out, trembling slightly.
I wanted to believe him—
but I was scared to.

Seeing my expression,
he stepped closer and spoke with quiet seriousness.

“I’ll definitely come back.
I promise.
…So until then, don’t push yourself too hard.
Just like today—being here is enough.”

His words gently settled deep in my chest.

“…Okay. It’s a promise. I’ll be waiting.”

To my own surprise,
I was able to say it straight.

---

The door closed,
and his footsteps faded into the distance.
But they no longer sounded like an ending.

They were the echo of something warm—
and the sound of a promise that something would begin again.

---

“He didn’t say goodbye.
Because it was a promise named ‘See you again.’
So I won’t let the time apart defeat me.
I’ll be here, smiling, waiting.”